325:
environments hanging over bodies of water, but if this is not possible, they lay eggs on any other suitable objects. Occasionally, they lay eggs directly in water or grassy vegetation above water. These tree frogs are more likely to choose lightly wooded savannas and forested areas because these environments have sufficient resources to support adult frogs. Foam-nest building behaviors and patterns have evolved several times. The foam nest made by the female provides different functions for aquatic and terrestrial breeding alike. Some grey foam-nest tree frogs breed exclusively in water. In these water-breeders, foam nests allow the eggs to be suspended in oxygenated water. Grey foam-nest tree frogs that reproduce on land create these nests to minimize drying out, temperature changes, and predation.
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246:, they have discs on their toes, and their outer two fingers are widely spaced and nearly at a right angle to their inner two fingers on each hand. The grey foam-nest tree frog typically has a snout length of 50–80 mm. Males have a snout-vent length of 43–75 mm, while females have a 60–90 mm snout-vent length. They have relatively impermeable skin, which allows them to survive dry spells under tree detritus. Their skin is slightly bumpy and dry. Their coloration ranges between white and brown and changes in response to temperature (see adaptations below). They tend to turn white when they die.
287:(a cavity at the end of the digestive tract in amphibians). During this process, the frog uses its hind legs to whip the mucus into elastic froth that will eventually serve as physical protection for the developing eggs. The female will leave temporarily to rehydrate before returning to the nest. Nest construction can take around five to six hours. Males then incorporate their sperm into the recently laid foam, fertilizing them. The next day, the female will return to its egg-laying site and add a layer of foam to protect the eggs from drying out.
305:, an important characteristic of the grey foam nest tree frog, has proven to substantially increase offspring survival. Polyandrous matings may provide eggs with additional nutrients via the seminal fluid from multiple males. These nutrients increase yolk availability for post-hatching development and increases survival of tadpoles. Sperm competition may also allow for increased egg interaction with steroids in seminal fluids, which may accelerate yolk metabolism and increase growth rate of tadpoles.
86:
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adopt a darker coloration, their body temperature will warm more rapidly with the sun's radiation. It is common for frogs to do this when the air temperature is below 36 °C. White coloration helps them maintain a temperature below the ambient temperature by reflecting heat away. Their skin is resistant to evaporation that rivals terrestrial reptiles, earning them the nickname of "waterproof frogs", but this resistance is not present in their
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positively impact fertilization success and offspring production in grey-foam nest tree frogs. This might be because more male mates ensures that the female's eggs will be fertilized. A larger number of males means more sperm production, which therefore increases the likelihood the sperm are genetically compatible with the eggs and allows for a variety of different sperm-based traits.
384:
uric acid, while the other twenty-five to fifty percent is expelled as urea in waste. This uric acid excreted can be released in a solid form and does not cause any water loss for the frog. This is especially suitable for grey foam-nest tree frogs due to the fact that they primarily inhabit dry environments, where minimizing water loss is highly important.
355:, rectal water reabsorption, skin resistant to desiccation, and skin that changes color in response to temperature. They have relatively impermeable skin, which allows them to survive dry spells under tree detritus. They are also able to lose up to sixty percent of their body weight over the course of several months.
320:
Egg deposition primarily occurs in still, fresh water in order to keep the eggs moist during development. A typical clutch size can be anywhere between 500 and 1250 eggs. Grey foam-nest tree frogs strategically hang their foam nests on branches of trees above water at differing heights. Polyandry can
298:
Foam-nest building behaviors and patterns have evolved several times. The foam nest made by the female provides different functions for aquatic and terrestrial breeding alike. Some grey foam-nest tree frogs breed exclusively in water. In these water-breeders, foam nests allow the eggs to be suspended
324:
Female grey foam-nest tree frogs lay eggs which are quickly fertilized by the male soon afterwards. Females also create foam for nests. Grey foam-nest tree frogs show remarkable adaptability in their oviposition sites, as they may lay their eggs in a variety of unique habitats. They typically choose
257:
Grey foam-nest tree frogs usually reside in varying habitats, such as savannah, shrubland, forests, pastureland, and urban areas. There have been mentions of these frogs living in
Australia in addition to their native range in southern Africa. They are considered habitat specialists, which refers to
383:
They are also able to lose up to sixty percent of their body weight over the course of several months. The grey foam-nest tree frog forms uric acid and excretes it from their body as a nitrogenous end product. Anywhere between fifty and seventy-five percent of total waste nitrogen is converted into
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Individual frogs can change their color from chalky white to dark brown, with the brown coloration presenting in a geometric/bark pattern. These frogs change their skin colors in response to temperature differences in order to maintain body temperature and minimize evaporative water loss. When they
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Development occurs over a period of six days, with the mother ensuring the eggs stay moist the day after mating. Egg mortality in foam nesting tree frogs remains mostly unexplored, therefore information regarding the matter is limited. Grey foam-nest tree frogs' egg mortality is considered moderate
227:
Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forest, dry savanna, moist savanna, subtropical or tropical dry shrubland, subtropical or tropical moist shrubland, subtropical or tropical dry lowland grassland, subtropical or tropical seasonally wet or flooded lowland grassland, intermittent
231:
Grey foam-nest tree frogs are known for simultaneous polyandry, where female frogs have multiple mates on separate territories that guard the eggs and care for young. This behavior is owed to their external fertilization mechanism. During the mating process, the female frog produces a foam nest,
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The grey foam-nest tree frog forms uric acid and excretes it from their body as a nitrogenous end product. Anywhere between fifty and seventy-five percent of total waste nitrogen is converted into uric acid, while the remaining amount is expelled as urea in waste. This uric acid excreted can be
261:
Grey foam-nest tree frogs dislike arid conditions and need humidity to survive; however, they can still be found in dry environments such as: dry forests, miombo, mopane, savannah, and cultivated areas in low altitudes. They are able to survive dry seasons under loose bark, hence why they are
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Female mate choice is often limited due to males forcing copulations. Mating primarily occurs on the branches of trees, making females very visible to males. Unpaired males may also intercept females by waiting at the base of a tree. Matings from male interception are often from genetically
262:
referred to as tree frogs. Large rainstorms stimulate an increase in breeding from these frogs, because high humidity decreases egg mortality and improves survival across multiple stages of life. Habitat destruction and disturbance impacts breeding abilities of these frogs.
275:
Mating activity of grey foam-nest tree frogs typically occurs at night from
October to February in south-eastern Africa's wet summer months. These frogs choose to mate in arboreal settings, as they create their foam nests in tree branches overhanging bodies of water.
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released in a solid form and does not result in any net water loss for the frog. This is especially relevant for grey foam-nest tree frogs as they primarily inhabit dry environments, where minimizing water loss is highly important.
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skin. When met with a dry period, these frogs tuck their ventral areas under them so that only their resistant skin is exposed. They also secrete a water-resistant mucus to seal any small gaps when they
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Male grey foam-nest tree frogs typically do not fight with other males of their species. Currently, there is nothing known about kin recognition and larval sibling competition in this species.
814:"A comparative study of enzymes of urea and uric acid metabolism in different species of Amphibia, and the adaptation to the environment of the tree frog Chiromantis xerampelina Peters"
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The grey foam-nest tree frog typically has a snout length of 50–80 mm. Males have a snout-vent length of 43–75 mm, while females have a 60–90 mm snout-vent length.
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prey on grey foam-nest tree frog eggs and tadpoles. This species is the first
African anuran to demonstrate hetero-cannibalism by preying on eggs belonging to the same family.
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typically on branches that hang above bodies of water, in order to keep her eggs moist as they develop. This practice is what gives the grey foam-nest tree frogs their name.
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compared to other anuran species. Following the embryonic development, a tadpole breaks free and drops into the water below the foam nest. Tadpoles live in the
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Shoemaker, Vaughan H.; Hillman, Stanley S.; Hillyard, Stanley D.; Jackson, Donald C.; McClanahan, Lon L.; Withers, Philip C.; Wygoda, Mark L. (1992).
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These frogs often live in arid and semi-arid climates and have developed several adaptations to live months at a time away from water. These include
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in oxygenated water. Grey foam-nest tree frogs that reproduce on land create these nests to minimize drying out, temperature changes, and predation.
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freshwater marshes, arable land, pastureland, rural gardens, urban areas, heavily degraded former forests, ponds, and canals and ditches.
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372:. If disturbed and forced to move, they lose a significant amount of water and may not be able to survive the rest of the dry season.
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Balinsky, J.B.; Chemaly, Susan M.; Currin, Athalie E.; Lee, Anina R.; Thompson, R.L.; Van der
Westhuizen, D.R. (January 1976).
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861:"Tribute to R. G. Boutilier: Skin colour and body temperature changes in basking Bokermannohyla alvarengai (Bokermann 1956)"
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The female grey foam-nest tree frog begins the process of reproduction by producing a thick mucus-like fluid from its
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333:(associated with or occurring on the bottom of a body of water). Maturity is achieved within six to eight weeks.
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Mercurio, Vincenzo; Bohme, Wolfgang; Streit, Bruno (2009-10-17). "Reproductive diversity of
Malawian anurans".
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Color change of the grey foam-nest tree frog from chalky white to dark brown to adapt to temperature changes.
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745:"Embryonic and larval respiration in the arboreal foam nests of the African frog Chiromantis xerampelina"
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undesirable males. Over 90% of females mate with ten or more males in the production of a single clutch.
495:"Natural Egg Mortality of the African Grey Tree Frog, Chiromantis xerampelina (Amphibia: Rhacophoridae)"
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Poynton, J.C.; Broadley, D.G. (April 1987). "Amphibia
Zambesiaca 3. Rhacophoridae and Hyperoliidae".
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693:"Simultaneous polyandry increases fertilization success in an African foam-nesting treefrog"
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953:"Anuran egg predation and heterocannibalism in a breeding community of East African frogs"
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924:"Chapter 6: Exchange of Water, Ions, and Respiratory Gases in Terrestrial Amphibians"
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Tattersall, Glenn J.; Eterovick, Paula C.; de
Andrade, Denis V. (17 March 2006).
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649:"Effects of simultaneous polyandry on offspring fitness in an African tree frog"
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Offspring as a result of polyandry are more likely to survive than offspring of
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a species known to only breed in unsettled environments and unperturbed areas.
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Comparative
Biochemistry and Physiology Part B: Comparative Biochemistry
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Grey foam-nest tree frogs are arboreal. Like other species in the genus
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An example of a grey foam-nest tree frog nest hanging from a branch.
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565:"Strategies of water conservation in southern African frogs"
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Byrne, Phillip G.; Whiting, Martin J. (2008-10-01).
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912:, Siyabona Africa (Pty)Ltd, Accessed 18 July 2016.
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499:Journal of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry
930:. University of Chicago Press. pp. 127–129.
871:(7). The Company of Biologists Ltd: 1185–1196.
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537:(1). The Council of the Natal Museum: 161–229.
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647:Byrne, Phillip G.; Whiting, Martin J. (2011).
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465:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-2.RLTS.T58801A3074560.en
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790:Harmonious orgy is winning formula for frogs
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440:IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group (2013).
799:, Australian Geographic, February 22, 2011.
743:Seymour, R S; Loveridge, J P (1994-12-01).
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928:Environmental Physiology of the Amphibians
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392:It is known that adults of both sexes of
951:Drewes, R. C.; Altig, R. (1996-11-01).
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224:. They are found in southern Africa.
220:, is a species of frog in the family
7:
623:: 175–183 – via Research Gate.
1234:IUCN Red List least concern species
865:The Journal of Experimental Biology
451:IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
25:
84:
749:Journal of Experimental Biology
563:Loveridge, J. P. (1976-01-01).
493:Sm, Allingham (February 2017).
969:10.1080/03946975.1996.10539316
582:10.1080/00445096.1976.11447538
1:
926:. In Feder, Martin E. (ed.).
709:10.1016/j.anbehav.2008.05.019
1269:Taxa named by Wilhelm Peters
1264:Amphibians described in 1854
830:10.1016/0305-0491(76)90139-5
218:southern foam-nest tree frog
416:African foam-nest tree frog
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1259:Amphibians of South Africa
531:Annals of the Natal Museum
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81:Scientific classification
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35:Grey foam-nest tree frog
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512:10.15744/2348-9790.5.109
253:Distribution and habitat
208:grey foam-nest tree frog
1058:Chiromantis-xerampelina
1031:Chiromantis xerampelina
1001:Chiromantis xerampelina
444:Chiromantis xerampelina
213:Chiromantis xerampelina
190:Chiromantis xerampelina
18:Chiromantis xerampelina
1249:Amphibians of Tanzania
910:Let Sleeping Frogs Lie
591:10520/AJA00445096_1895
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666:10.1093/beheco/arq153
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266:Ecology and behaviour
1254:Amphibians of Angola
761:10.1242/jeb.197.1.31
543:10499/AJ03040798_421
458:: e.T58801A3074560.
410:Chiromantis petersii
394:Afrixalus fornasinii
27:Species of amphibian
1244:Amphibians of Kenya
421:Chiromantis kelleri
172:C. xerampelina
51:Conservation status
795:2011-03-05 at the
653:Behavioral Ecology
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1196:Open Tree of Life
993:Taxon identifiers
878:10.1242/jeb.02038
617:Herpetology Notes
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1239:Chiromantis
1118:iNaturalist
1040:AmphibiaWeb
1025:Wikispecies
471:16 November
353:uricotelism
346:Adaptations
243:Chiromantis
236:Description
159:Chiromantis
1228:Categories
427:References
310:monogamous
977:0394-6975
838:0305-0491
769:1477-9145
717:0003-3472
675:1465-7279
370:aestivate
312:matings.
303:Polyandry
166:Species:
104:Kingdom:
98:Eukaryota
1136:10722095
1016:Q2701139
1010:Wikidata
887:16547291
793:Archived
725:53144100
403:See also
144:Family:
128:Amphibia
118:Chordata
114:Phylum:
108:Animalia
94:Domain:
71:IUCN 3.1
1211:4805756
1110:5217208
1097:1039122
892:18 July
777:7852908
388:Threats
365:ventral
154:Genus:
134:Order:
124:Class:
69: (
1208:uBio:
1201:175631
1188:151887
1149:665496
1071:576685
975:
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846:939096
844:
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673:
285:cloaca
216:), or
199:, 1854
197:Peters
1175:39610
1162:58801
1131:IRMNG
1123:26656
1084:5XSV7
721:S2CID
505:(1).
138:Anura
1170:NCBI
1157:IUCN
1144:ITIS
1105:GBIF
1066:BOLD
1045:4377
973:ISSN
932:ISBN
894:2016
883:PMID
842:PMID
834:ISSN
773:PMID
765:ISSN
713:ISSN
671:ISSN
473:2021
456:2013
206:The
1092:EoL
1079:CoL
1053:ASW
965:doi
873:doi
869:209
826:doi
757:doi
753:197
705:doi
661:doi
587:hdl
577:doi
539:hdl
507:doi
460:doi
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